Tokyo stocks opened up Tuesday, with the Nikkei climbing to its highest level since August 1990, lifted by export-related issues after the yen weakened against the U.S. dollar on expectations of continued interest rate hikes in the United States.
In the first 15 minutes of trading, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average rose 159.51 points, or 0.51 percent, from Monday to 31,246.33. The broader Topix index was up 7.55, or 0.35 point, at 2,183.45.
Gainers included pulp and paper, wholesale trade and service issues.
At 9 a.m., the U.S. dollar fetched 138.67-68 yen compared with 138.54-64 yen in New York and 137.83-85 yen in Tokyo at 5 p.m. Monday.
The euro was quoted at $1.0809-0813 and 149.89-95 yen against $1.0809-0819 and 149.78-88 yen in New York, and $1.0805-0807 and 148.93-97 yen in Tokyo late Monday afternoon.
